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"Likely you are right, but I do not see what that has to do with my present trouble." |
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It was the very core of her trouble, Isobel believed. Alinor was of a totally open nature in her dealings with those she loved. When she was hurt or angered, she spat out her pain and thus relieved her heart. It was her crazy conviction that she had no right to lose her temper or be her own passionate, unreasonable self because, however she denied it, she was jealous without cause. Naturally, every time she checked the hot words that rose to her lips, she reminded herself of the cause of her restraint and became jealous all over again. In addition, the projection of so much sweetness and good nature was doubtless curdling Alinor's sharp and pungent soul. But Isobel was not about to say anything concerning that. It would only give Alinor a new guilt to brood upon. |
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"I do not know what to say about your trouble," Isobel replied obliquely, "but I see clearly a way to make Ian less unhappy. You say he senses your coldness. Perhapsif so, you are mistaken and there is no other woman, not even a dream of one. A man does not sense such things unless his very soul is bound to their cause. If his inmost heart is fixed elsewhere, he sees only what is on the surface. But what is on your surface tells a clear enough tale to anyone who knows you well." |
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"But I tell you, I smile. I do not scold or complain." |
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Isobel burst out laughing. "Scold and complain you never did, but smile and be meek? Alinor, if you had suddenly become meek and obedient to Simonbefore he fell ill and knew the reason, I meanwhat would he have done?" |
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A stricken expression came into Alinor's eyes, and after a pause a giggle shook her. "He would have called the best physicians to attend me, believing that I was dying. Oh, Isobel, he did so once. You know, when I am breeding, toward the end I become very soft and satis- |
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